Obituary of William Rea Walker

April 16, 1953 - November 15, 2020

William Rea Walker. 67 of Flat Rock.

William Rea Walker, “Big Bill,” (born on 04/16/1953) passed away peacefully with his wife Donna by his side on 11/15/2020 at the age of 67 years. Bill was predeceased by his parents Richard and Anne (Kovacic) Walker, his niece Christine Garrettson, and nephew Adam Garrettson. Bill was survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Donna Lee (Passo) Walker. Lovingly remembered by his two daughters Heather (Christopher) Lada and Gail (Paul) Marks, his brother Donald Walker, his sister Deanna (James) Garrettson, his five grandchildren Mackenzie/Mason/Mallory Lada, and Colton/Chloe Marks. Bill was also survived by seven nieces and two nephews: Jennifer (Tomecsko) Leichliter and Jonathon Tomecsko, Briana (Bedillion) Moore and Maggie Bedillion, Shelby (Jestat) Hunter and Michaela Jestat, Gwen (Garrettson) Rifici, Michael Kelly and Donna Guerrera.

Bill was born in Washington PA, graduated from Trinity High School in 1971, was the drummer in a local band The Elements of Sound, and married his high school sweetheart on 08/18/1973. Bill and Donna moved to Flat Rock MI, where he began a 42-year career at National/US Steel working in Masonry and Trucks/Cranes. Although accomplished in his career, it pales in comparison to the impact on the people in his life. Bill’s love of life and huge heart made you feel as welcome and important as the family he cherished so deeply. 

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory located within the Molnar Funeral Homes - Brownstown Chapel.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

BUILT BY BILL

If you knew Bill (William Rea Walker) then it likely comes as no surprise the wave of sorrow left by his death. He truly filled this world and those around him with so much life. Two words are always mentioned by people when they speak of Bill: Life and Family. From a young age Bill was always active. Whether is modifying cars and modifying his mother’s garage (so he had room for his car), or playing drums in a local band (The Elements of Sound), Bill was always building and creating. He never stopped building; just prior to leaving us he was crafting things in his workshop at the back of his garage and building stairs for a family member. Most likely if you are reading this, somewhere in your house there is something Built by Bill. Bill loved and inspired his grandchildren who longed to help him with projects in his workshop or in the yard. Speaking of yards, even if you never met Bill you would have a glimpse into his character driving by their house. Meticulous to a fault (borderline OCD), Bill treated every task with a superior level of craftsmanship and pride. Never to boast or brag, but because he could never be satisfied with less than his best. Bill loved his family and friends the same way. It seems redundant to say “friends” because Bill made everyone feel like family, whether you knew him for four weeks or four decades. Maybe it was the way he welcomed you into his home (affectionately referred to as the “black hole” because once you show up you never leave). Maybe it was braving the Michigan winters snowmobiling. Maybe it was the trips back to Pennsylvania to visit lifelong best friends and family. Maybe it was the way he laughed and shared a drink with you by the bonfire or on the other side of the fence. Maybe it was the way he helped you with that project at your house. Maybe it was the way he danced to every song at every wedding. One thing is for sure, it was his contagious smile, his passion for life, and intense love of family that was the foundation for everything Built by Bill. Bill was survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Donna Lee (Passo) Walker. Intensely loved by his two daughters Heather Lada and Gail Marks, sons-in-law Christopher Lada and Paul Marks, his brother Donald Walker, his sister Deanna (James) Garrettson, and his five grandchildren Mackenzie/Mason/Mallory Lada, and Colton/Chloe Marks. Due to the new COVID-19 restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.